BGC Charlottetown brings mental wellness program to PEI youth
A new youth‑led mental wellness program is being introduced to youth across Prince Edward Island this year.
BGC Charlottetown is bringing the national HEADSTRONG program to Island students.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada, with support from the 2024-25 Health Innovation Fund partnered with BGC Charlottetown to bring these summits to PEI for the first time.
Summits consist of a one‑day event designed to empower students in developing mental health strategies that reduce stigma and provide youth developed pathways of support.
Through activities and guided conversations, students learn ways to support their own well‑being and the well‑being of others. BGC Charlottetown is hosting four summits across PEI, two of which have already taken place, giving youth the chance to come together, share ideas, and make positive changes in their schools.
“HEADSTRONG gives youth space to dream big, have fun with their ideas, and use their voices to create healthier school communities. When youth feel excited, supported, and heard, they come up with ideas that reflect what their peers really need.”
-Caroline Woods, executive director of BGC Charlottetown
One session took place in Montague to support students in Eastern PEI and another in Summerside. Two more are planned for French‑language high schools later in the year.
The Prince County summit was held in early March at Three Oaks Senior High School. Students took part in group activities, quiet reflection, and open discussions. They learned about mental health, stigma, and the importance of supporting one another.
The event was led by Kristena MacCormack, BGC Charlottetown’s youth engagement coordinator, who encouraged students to connect with each other and follow BGC Charlottetown’s motto: Be brave. Reach out. Speak up.
Two guest speakers shared personal stories about grief, anxiety, illness, trauma, and burnout. They explained how asking for help, setting boundaries, and taking care of themselves helped their mental health. Their stories showed students that many people face challenges, healing is possible, and no one has to go through it alone.
Students also learned about mental health supports available to them, including school‑based wellness teams, Peers Alliance, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Kids Help Phone.
“The HEADSTRONG model builds on the good work already happening in communities,” said Woods. “By connecting students with school and community supports they already have, the program becomes stronger and helps make sure the work continues after the summit ends.”
Students worked together to create action plans for their schools. Ideas included safe spaces to relax, positivity clubs, and peer‑led activities to keep mental health conversations going. They worked as a team to lead projects that matter to them and their classmates.
“Youth know their schools and communities best,” said Fiona Haynes, senior manager, Youth Mental Health Portfolio for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. “When we give them the space and support to lead, they come up with ideas that really make a difference.”
As the sessions wrapped up, students were happy to learn they would receive funding to bring their ideas to life within their schools, along with continued support from BGC Charlottetown.
With more summits to come, BGC Charlottetown and HEADSTRONG are helping youth across PEI build confidence, strengthen connections, and talk more openly about mental health.
To learn more, visit BGC Charlottetown, HEADSTRONG, and the 2024-25 Health Innovation Fund.